How should I use the drug "Decapeptil"? An abstract on the use of this drug will be presented below. You will also learn about the indications for the use of this drug, its analogues, side effects and more.
Decapeptil: a description of the drug, its composition and form
The medication in question is sold in the form of a clear and colorless injection solution that does not have any smell, as well as mechanical impurities.
The main component of this medication is triptorelin acetate. In addition, it contains ingredients such as glacial acetic acid, sodium chloride and water for injection.
You can buy the Decapeptil solution, the photo of which is presented in this article, in syringe ampoules complete with injection needles, which are packaged in contour cells and cardboard boxes, respectively.
The effect of the drug (pharmacological)
What is a Decapeptil solution? Instructions for use report that it is a synthetic analogue of GnRH, or the so-called gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
After the introduction of this drug, its active substance causes an increase in the level of LH and FSH in the blood, which ultimately leads to a short-term increase in the concentration of sex hormones. Long-term stimulation of the pituitary gland (for example, with regular use of the drug) contributes to the blockade of gonadotropic work. The result of this effect is a decrease in the amount of hormones (genital) to menopause or postcastration. These effects are reversible.
Studies in laboratory animals did not reveal the mutagenic or teratogenic effects of the medication in question.
Pharmacokinetics of an injectable drug
What pharmacokinetic properties are characteristic for the Decapeptil solution? Instructions for use states that in the first 50-90 minutes after administration of the drug, triptorelin in the blood reaches its maximum. Further, the concentration of this substance decreases markedly (throughout the day).
The half-life of the main component is 18.7 minutes. About 4% of tryptorelin is excreted along with urine unchanged.
It should be noted that the pharmacokinetic tests of this medication were performed in people with a confirmed diagnosis of uterine fibroids or endometriosis, as well as in healthy male volunteers and patients with prostate carcinoma.
Indications for injection
For what purpose is the drug "Dekapeptil" prescribed? Indications for use of this solution for women are as follows:
- uterine fibroids;
- fertility therapy using reproductive technologies (e.g., embryo transfer, IVF);
- endometriosis.
As for men, it is recommended to them for the symptomatic treatment of hormone-dependent progressive prostate carcinoma.
Drug bans for men and women
In what cases can not enter the solution "Decapeptil"? Instructions for use indicate that for women this drug is contraindicated:
- when breastfeeding;
- pregnancy
- clinical manifestations or risk of osteoporosis.
It should also be noted that this medicine is used with caution when performing an IVF program in patients with polycystic ovary disease (that is, if the number of follicles that are determined by ultrasound is more than 10).
For representatives of the stronger sex, the medication in question is contraindicated:
- with surgical castration (previous);
- prostate carcinoma (hormone independent).
A general ban on the use of this drug is the patient's hypersensitivity to triptorelin or other components of the drug.
Decapeptil solution: instructions for use
This medication is intended for subcutaneous administration. With endometriosis, prostate cancer and uterine myoma, the drug is administered in an amount of 0.5 mg / ml once a day for a week. From the 8th day they switch to a maintenance dosage of 0.1 mg / ml once a day.
In the process of treatment with this tool, an ultrasound scan is mandatory and the size of the fibroids and endometriotic lesions is monitored.
When performing the IVF program, the medication is administered according to the protocols (may be ultrashort or short). In order to prevent post-injection reactions, the injection site is changed every time.
When should I use Decapeptil Depot? Instructions for use states that this tool is indicated for a long course of therapy. It is also administered subcutaneously in the abdomen or intramuscularly once every 30 days.
The prepared solution is used immediately. With endometriosis and uterine myoma, therapy begins in the first days of the cycle. Such treatment should last about 3-6 months. With cancer of the prostate gland, therapy is also carried out for a long time.
When conducting IVF, the drug Dekapeptil Depot is administered once on certain days of the cycle.
Side effects
What undesirable reactions does the Decapeptil solution cause? Instructions and reviews report that the side effects that appeared during the use of the drug in question are due to a decrease in the amount of sex hormones in the blood, which can ultimately lead to the development of symptoms such as depression, mood lability, frequent headaches, decreased libido, and sleep disturbances , flushing, weight gain and excessive sweating. In addition, the following changes were observed in some patients:
- urinary tract obstruction, paresthesia, pain during sexual intercourse;
- visual impairment, back pain, muscle weakness;
- in women, uterine bleeding and vaginal dryness;
- in men, gynecomastia, decreased potency and decreased testicular size;
- nausea, redness of the skin, decreased appetite, itching;
- fever, hypercholesterolemia, bone pain caused by metastases;
- myalgia, spinal cord compression, anaphylaxis;
- arthralgia, pain at the injection site, demineralization of bones (with prolonged use);
- swollen lymph nodes, thrombophlebitis, swelling of the legs;
- hair loss on the legs, chest and arms, a decrease in beard growth.
It should be especially noted that all of the listed side effects disappear immediately after the end of the course of therapy.
Drug interactions, cases of overdose
No cases of overdose with the drug in question were observed. With the development of any negative signs against the background of an excess of the dose of the drug, symptomatic treatment should be carried out .
The drug interaction of Decapeptil with other agents has not been established.
Special Information for Patients
The course of treatment with Decapeptil should be carried out under strict control of the level of sex hormones in the blood.
Women should be tested to rule out a possible pregnancy. During the use of the drug, it is unacceptable to use hormonal contraceptives, as well as drugs containing estrogens.
The patient should be warned that during the course of treatment with the drug in question, menstruation will be absent.
The use of this drug in men can lead to a temporary deterioration in their condition. If negative symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately.
Similar drugs
What can replace the Decapeptil drug solution? It is quite difficult to select analogs for this drug, so only an experienced doctor should deal with this procedure.
According to the claims of some experts, the medication in question can be replaced by the following means: Zoladex, Buserelin-Depot, Diferelin, and Tryptorelin.
Injection Solution Reviews
Currently, for the treatment of endometriosis and other diseases of the reproductive system, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists are the most effective and effective. These include drugs such as Decapeptil, Diferelin, Zoladex and others. However, it should be noted that the high cost of such funds does not allow their widespread use in medical practice. In this regard, there are not very many reviews about their use.
According to experts, the drug Dekapeptil is especially often prescribed in the treatment of uterine fibroids (lasting 5-6 months). This use of the drug led to a decrease in the volume of the uterus and the size of the nodes. Next, surgery was performed. Thus, treatment with Decapeptil was prescribed as a preoperative preparation.
Many patients claim that after the introduction of the solution, they often noted pain at the injection site, itching and redness. Headaches, hot flashes, insomnia and fatigue also appeared.
Positive messages about this remedy are often left by women who used Decapeptil according to the IVF protocol. Thanks to this drug, in most cases, the procedure for introducing an embryo into the uterus ended successfully. Of the side effects of the fairer sex, flushing and sweating were noted.